Oita Tanabata Festival 2026 | Dates & Access

This summer festival brightens the shopping streets in central Oita City with Tanabata decorations, while floats and dance events take place on Chuo-dori.

About Oita Tanabata Festival

The Oita Tanabata Festival is a Tanabata festival held in the shopping streets and along Chuo-dori in central Oita City.

The shopping streets are lined with colorful Tanabata decorations, while dashi floats and dance teams parade through town.

As an event that brightens Oita City’s central district, it is known for bringing decorations, parades, and dancing together.

Source: 大分七夕まつり - Wikipedia / 第45回大分七夕まつり | 日本一の「おんせん県」大分県の観光情報公式サイト

Festival highlights

A highlight is the illuminated dashi float “Funai Senso,” modeled after a warrior and a rising dragon.

The dashi floats and dance teams parading along Chuo-dori complement the view of the city center adorned with Tanabata decorations.

On the 2nd day, several event areas are set up, featuring dancing and music, including the Chikirin-bayashi Citizens’ Group Dance.

A summer festival in central Oita, bright with Tanabata decorations, dashi floats, and dancing

What to expect

The festival experience involves admiring the Tanabata decorations in the central shopping district and enjoying events centered around Chuo-dori.

The 1st day features a parade of Funai Senso dashi floats and dance teams; the 2nd day features events such as the Chikirin-bayashi Citizens’ Group Dance.

During Chikirin-bayashi, dancers move to the rhythm of a small gong while striking 2 bamboo sticks together.

How to take part

There are activities that members of the public can participate in.

During the Chikirin-bayashi Citizens’ Group Dance on the 2nd day, spectators can join in.

If you are considering participating, it is a good idea to check the day’s information, including the dance schedule and venue areas, before visiting.

Source: 大分七夕祭｜活動｜Visit Oita - The Official Tourism Website of Oita,Kyushu,Japan

Check participation details

Location and access

Venue and address

“48-man Square” on Chuo-dori in Oita City and other locations in the city center (Chuo-machi, Oita City).

The address is 1-3 Chuo-machi, Oita City, Oita Prefecture, and other locations along Chuo-dori.

Train and bus

About a 5-minute walk from JR Oita Station.

Visitors are advised to use public transportation around the venue.

By car

Traffic restrictions are scheduled around the venue from 6:20 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

If arriving by car, please be aware of the traffic restriction times.

Address 〒870-0035 1-3 Chuo-machi, Oita City, Oita Prefecture, and other locations along Chuo-dori

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

The 2026 event is scheduled for August 7 (Friday) and the 8th (Saturday).

The event is scheduled to run from 6:30 p.m. to 9:20 p.m., with traffic restrictions from 6:20 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The program differs on the 1st and 2nd days: the first day features Funai Senso, while the 2nd day has events in several event areas.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Oita Prefecture / Oita City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)

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